The forum was organized by the Osh-based non-governmental organization InvestConsult in co-operation with the administration of the Osh, Batken and Jalal-Abad provinces, and the Osh city mayor’s office. The OSCE Centre in Bishkek supported the forum.

"Kyrgyzstan’s southern region needs new investment. Since the end of the Soviet Union, its economy has been receiving less attention in comparison to other regions in Central Asia," said Lilian Darii, Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. "On the other hand, potential investors know little about business opportunities in this part of the country. By supporting this forum, the OSCE is helping to fill this gap."

Almanbetov Omurbek, a representative of InvestConsult, added: "Today’s forum is expected to attract more investors to Kyrgyzstan’s southern provinces and to raise awareness on opportunities to export locally produced products. It also served as a meeting place for Kyrgyz entrepreneurs and foreign investors."

Representatives of the local administration, international donor organizations, the Russian diplomatic service, members of the Kyrgyz Government and the Chamber of Commerce as well as representatives of the local business community took part in the forum.The event is part of an OSCE Centre programme to support local authorities’ work to develop their economies.